Survey: 71 percent of U.S. mobile purchases are smartphones

Mobile growth continues in 2012, and of this trend, smartphone use continues to rise. Researchers have found smartphone purchases dominated the month of May for mobile.

The report, entitled U.S. Consumer Smartphone Profile: Current Use and Future Purchase Plans, highlights the increased interest in smartphones when it comes to selecting a mobile device.

Conducted by market strategy consultancy firm iGR, the new survey found 71 percent of mobile purchases made in May 2012 were smartphones, vs. 28 percent of consumers having bought a basic mobile device. Additionally, consumers said approximately 69 percent of future handset purchases are "likely" to be a smartphone.

Factors iGR examined were the mobile handset and smartphone trends across the U.S. These included the current and future mobile sales, types and brands of smartphones being used, and which mobile operating systems (OS) consumers run on their devices. Additionally, questions asked related to the types of handsets purchased and/or which will be bought, current and future OS sales, whether or not devices purchased are work related, and average purchase price and/or what price consumers are willing to pay.

As people shift to increased connectivity, it appears age is also less of a factor.

According to iGR, generally smartphone users tend to be under age 45, but the company noted this trend is shifting, indicating demographics are currently showing consumers aged 45 and up are moving to smartphones.

"Smartphones have become the new norm," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, in a press release. "60 percent of the survey respondents iGR interviewed reported using a smartphone."

The survey also looked at consumer price sensitivity. Researchers found consumers were willing to pay $135.90 for an iPhone, but only $124.65 for an Android phone.

Does this survey demonstrate a shift away from traditional desktops? For some time now, speculation has been the desktop will eventually be replaced by mobile devices. Whether or not this occurs remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, connectivity is important to consumers.

If this survey is any indicator of future trends, when it comes to cellphones, smartphones are pulling in a good chunk of the mobile market. Even if people do cling to the traditional desktop, they'll likely want to remain connected while on the move.

iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry and examines different trends. Another recent study, released last week showed 59 percent of consumers used their mobile phone in the bathroom during the previous 30 days.